The women's relaxation area includes a wall made of natural river rocks laid by hand.

In 1972, while traveling toward the moon, the crew of NASA's Apollo 17 took one of the most famous photographs of Earth from a distance of about 28,000 miles. The photo, named "The Blue Marble" because the astronauts aboard the shuttle likened its appearance to that of a glass marble, was a depiction of Earth's beauty and fragility amid the expanse of space. Named after that photo, the Blue Marble Spa at the Hyatt Regency Mission Bay Spa & Marina (San Diego) also takes into account the natural beauty of Earth and its need for immediate care. Opened in September 2007, Blue Marble is Hyatt Pure's first eco-friendly spa, which, according to spa director Kyra Johnson, required much more work than building a facility where care for the environment doesn't play a key role. "There are thousands of additional details to consider when building an eco-friendly spa, and starting early was paramount to the success and authenticity of the spa," says Johnson, who came on board seven months prior to the opening. "Environmental practices and products were put in place from the development phase. The entire spa operation is eco-friendly, reducing our negative environmental impact and our carbon footprint while not sacrificing our commitment to luxury and exceptional service standards."

All of the furnishings throughout the spa are inspired by nature.

Staying true to its mission that conservation can go hand in hand with luxury, Blue Marble sources as much as possible from other green companies, uses only recycled paper and environmentally conscious cleaning products, and offers its treatment menu online. The spa also provides eco-friendly literature for reading and further education, uses organic and natural skincare lines, offers organic fruits and food options, and uses minimal hot water. And while all of these practices are good for the environment, they do take a toll on the wallet. "There is no question that purchasing USDA-certified organic massage oils and earth-friendly guest amenities and sourcing recycled products for everything that you implement is a costly endeavor," says Johnson. "Certainly when we first started, there was an immediate and noticeable increase in opening costs. But as more and more green companies emerge and the demand increases, these products and services are becoming more reasonable in price, and the margin is narrowing, making the environmental choice more economical and profitable."

The reception area features sustainable bamboo floors and a saltwater aquarium.

Situated on the edge of San Diego's Mission Bay, Blue Marble's location is ideal for appreciating the beauty of the natural environment. "We are surrounded by bird estuaries, the amazing Mission Bay Park, and some of the best beaches in the world," says Johnson. "It is a natural location for this concept." Although it is Hyatt Pure's first eco-friendly spa, Johnson says it is definitely not the last. "Hyatt Pure is focused on forward-thinking environmental practices and is committed to making earth-friendly choices in all our spa properties worldwide," she says. "Many of the things we implemented at Blue Marble, such as using USDA-certified organic oils in all massage therapies, have become a new global standard for us."